A Ride Fueled by Love: Widower Bikes 340 Miles to Honor Wife’s Legacy

Peter Cahill, 70, is on a mission. On April 30th, Cahill began a 340-mile bike trip that took him from Mass General’s Boston campus, through scenic New Hampshire and the green mountains of Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York. From there the former Information Technology executive biked the remaining 70 miles to a winery in Montreal to introduce his new book, Silent Determination, which honors the memory of his late wife, Andrea. The book is described as a story of desperation and inspiration, soaring highs and gut-wrenching lows that will inspire readers to make a difference, and remind them why faith, hope, and charity are considered the three most important virtues.

This biking expedition traversed rough terrain through all kinds of weather to raise money for research to find a cure for neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), a rare neurological disease that Andrea battled for over 35 years until her death in 2022 at age 65. This is the 14th time Cahill will brave this arduous trek.

“I am so appreciative of all those who sponsor my annual ride,” said Cahill. “The funds raised by this generous group of donors support groundbreaking research conducted by Andrea’s doctor Scott Plotkin and his team. I’ve trained, I’m packed, and I’m ready to go!”

NF2 is a progressive genetic disease that causes recurring tumors to develop in the skull and along the spinal cord. Since establishing the Andrea Cahill Fund (ACF) at the Mass General Cancer Center in 2002, more than $600.000 has been raised; funding that has supported the many advances in NF2 research and treatment. Just this last June, the ACF was cited in a New England Journal of Medicine article for its role in the development of Avastin, a medication which has been shown to shrink NF2 tumors.

Over the course of her disease Andrea Cahill, who was diagnosed at 30, underwent 13 surgeries, the only treatment available at the time, and lost her hearing after her third operation. Despite many setbacks, Andrea, an educator, raised two children, Peter, 38, and Natalie, 41, launched two businesses, and taught sign language to middle and high school students. She also participated in several clinical studies to test new NF2 treatments.

“Andrea Cahill was an inspiration to those of us who were lucky to know her,” said Dr. Scott Plotkin, Executive Director of the Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology. “With an indomitable spirit and a love of life, Andrea touched so many people, including the doctors and nurses who oversaw her care. And now, because of his tireless efforts, Peter will continue to touch the lives of Mass General Cancer Center patients and their families by supporting the development of new treatments and better outcomes.”